Partnership Assistant

Support the implementation of External Relations unit activities.

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WFP - World Food Programme

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Application deadline 4 months ago: Sunday 11 Jan 2026 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Support the implementation of External Relations unit activities.

You have:

  • Demonstrated interest and/or experience in International Relations, Development, Project Management, Communications
  • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture would be highly regarded
  • Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and similar software
  • Excellent command of English and Russian; Working knowledge of Kyrgyz or any other UN languages would be an asset

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

A UNV volunteer will play an active role in supporting the implementation of External Relations unit activities, contributing to: • Partnership development and coordination • Resource mobilization efforts • Strategic communications • Timely and high-quality reporting The External Relations Unit at WFP is composed of four key components: Partnerships, Fundraising, Communication, and Reporting. The unit identifies new partnership opportunities, nurtures existing collaborations, and maintains high-level liaison with Ministries and government bodies.

Under the direct supervision of Programme Policy Advisor, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Contribute to the implementation of partnership strategies and to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of results in accordance with the WFP Corporate Strategy and the Country Strategic Plan. • Provide technical support and assist in the development and implementation of various activities and processes within the specific area of work supporting alignment with wider programme policies and guidelines. • Support the effective collaboration of ongoing project activities with internal counterparts; assist with creating the linkage between operational and strategic partnerships through better documentation and tracking of the current and potential collaboration
• Provides support in coordination and communication with local partners, agencies, NGOs and government institutions to ensure enhanced partnerships engagement and relationships, support the Rome-Based collaboration (RBA) related activities i.e. Action Plan, Reporting etc.) • Support note-making and information sharing during meetings with the UN and other multilateral bodies, NGOs, and support joint information programmes to increase WFP’s profile, and protect WFP interests, providing support to meetings including but not limited to: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food Security and Nutrition (ARDFSN) and Social Protection (SP) Working Group Meetings within Development Partners Coordination Council (DPCC); providing assistance with WFP’s input and contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
• Support in logistical arrangement and organization of high-level and technical level events and meetings involving various partners (government, development partners, civ-il-society) and missions from the Global HQ; • Support the development of funding proposals, donor briefs, presentations, and ar-rangement of donor visits, ensuring alignment with WFP’s strategic priorities and donor requirements. • Provide support in organization of various events such as presentations, consultations with stakeholders, meetings, UN days such as World Food Day, promotional events and others; • Provide support in communication issues such as organization of social media cam-paign, preparation of factsheets, press releases, talking points as well as close coopera-tion with journalists; • Collect, draft, and share compelling human-interest stories and case studies from the field to highlight WFP’s impact, ensuring these are tailored for different audiences (do-nors, partners, public) and communication channels (social media, newsletters, etc); • Undertake other duties as required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by read-ing relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica-tions/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams

• Demonstrated interest and/or experience in International Relations, Development, Project Management, Communications • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; • Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and similar software; • Excellent command of English and Russian; Working knowledge of Kyrgyz or any other UN languages would be an asset.

The Kyrgyz Republic is a landlocked, mountainous country in Central Asia. Bishkek, the capital, is a vibrant city with a growing international community, a range of accommodation options, and access to essential services. The cost of living is moderate compared to many other capitals, but can vary depending on lifestyle and housing preferences. Kyrgyzstan is known for its hospitality and rich cultural traditions. Volunteers are encouraged to learn about local customs and participate in community life. Volunteers are expected to adapt to local conditions and demonstrate flexibility and cultural sensitivity. Bishkek offers a range of supermarkets, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Public transport is available and affordable, and taxis are widely used. The country experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Volunteers should be prepared for seasonal variations. Autumn and winter seasons may under go periods of deteriorated air quality and increase in pollution. While the UNV will be based in Bishkek, the assignment may include mission to the field, and there is a difference in availability of amenities between urban and rural areas. Volunteers are responsible for securing their own accommodation, but the host office will provide support and guidance as needed. Office space, computer, and email access are provided by the recipient office. The official languages of the country are Kyrgyz and Russian; English is spoken to limited extent, mainly in professional and expatriate circles. Development of language skills for day to day interaction is recommended. The UN community in Bishkek is active, and volunteers will have opportunities to engage in professional and social activities with other international staff and local colleagues. The country is generally safe for international visitors, but standard precautions should be observed, and fellows must comply with all UN security protocols. Security is managed by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), and fellows are enrolled in the UN Security Management System and included in the warden plan for UN agencies in Kyrgyzstan. Security clearance must be obtained prior to departure.

Potential interview questions

How have you contributed to partnership development in your previous roles? This question evaluates your experience and effectiveness in building partnerships. Share specific examples where you've successfully built or nurtured partnerships.
Can you describe a time when you had to organize an event? What steps did you take? Interviewers want to assess your organizational skills and attention to detail. Pro members can see the explanation.
What communication strategies do you consider effective in a multicultural setting? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle multiple deadlines for different projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What techniques do you use to stay updated on global development trends? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a time you faced a challenge in team collaboration? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to adapt to significant changes in your work environment. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you engage with local communities during your volunteer work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 5 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: unv.org